In our early years setting, we often sit with the children and look through past photos together. They enjoy chatting about the things they have been doing with us and it is interesting for us to listen to their memories of different outings and celebrations. We find it fascinating how one activity will be recalled totally differently depending on the child and their age.
For example, during a recent theme linked to Red Nose Day all the children had their photos taken during a picnic before which we had made some special red buns which we were ‘selling’ later to parents to raise money. We had talked a lot about how money will help charities and been to visit the local charity shop to talk about how the money is used. One of the children remembered mum had said his buns were tasty… another child didn’t think mum had eaten her bun but remembered that it had a red nose and daddy said it was funny… another child talked about the charity shop visit but couldn’t remember making buns!
The photos we take of the children are priceless memories of their time here. We try not to take too many because while we are photographing the moment we are not in the moment with the children – but we do think it’s important to share their activities with parents because this will enhance their learning at home if parents ask them what they have been doing with us. We also use the photos to prompt memories and conversations (like the one above) which would not be possible if we had simply written what happened.
Of course, like most early years providers we used to have files of photos of children. That all changed when the Dept for Education and Ofsted changed expectations – so we have been putting together little PowerPoint booklets instead. They are so easy to do – we simply pop the photos into PowerPoint slides and change them to PDF so we can read through them with the children on the laptop – but you could use a phone or tablet if it’s easier and more convenient for you, with the app. I know some settings use ‘floor books’™ or little group photo albums as well with their children but we find it easier to use something we can edit quickly if a child leaves.
As we look at the photos with the children, we ask questions to find out what they remember and record their voice, adding their comments as we go along. Where possible we ask open questions – what? Where? How? Can you? etc – to encourage them to share their thoughts with us –
- What do you remember about...?
- What did you enjoy most about this outing?
- Do you want to tell me about that?
- Where were we when that happened?
- Can you tell me what happened?
- What did you like most about this?
- What would you like to do next?
- Did you enjoy visiting…?
Some children find it hard to answer open questions and need lots of practice. When we are talking, we watch out for the quieter children who might, for example, need more time to process the questions or more encouragement to answer and always ensure they have time to chat to us. We notice that some children will comment about what we have been looking at much later in the day, while others are keen to talk about their memories at the time.
Experts tell us that memory is essential for children’s personal, social and emotional development, supports their communication and language and plays a big part in cognitive functioning. Memories are closely linked to children’s awareness of themselves (sense of self) and help to build executive function and working memory. Studies have shown that children’s memories of events help build their brains... so our little memory books are an important part of early development.
Chat soon, Sarah.
Photo: (c) Smithsonian magazine